Honda, the Japanese automaker, has decided against producing a successor to its mass-market all-electric vehicle, the Honda E. This decision comes in response to a shrinking market for compact city hatchbacks, as customers increasingly gravitate towards SUVs. Introduced in 2020 across several markets, except the United States, the Honda E features a power output of up to 113 kilowatts (152 horsepower) and 232 pound-feet (315 Newton-meters) of torque, with power delivered to the rear wheels through a single-speed permanent magnet motor.
The Honda E boasts retro styling inspired by the first-generation Civic and showcases innovative digital side mirrors that display video on screens inside the vehicle. However, its battery capacity of 35.5 kilowatt-hours results in a WLTP-rated range of just 131 miles (211 kilometers), adequate for most city trips but falling short of the cheaper Dacia Spring’s claimed range of 140 miles (230 km) on a full charge.
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Though not direct competitors, the significant price difference between the Honda E and Dacia Spring cannot be overlooked. The Dacia Spring starts at 22,750 euros in Germany, while the Honda E commands an MSRP of 39,900 euros.
Sales of Honda’s all-electric E in the European market have been moderate, with only 4,078 units sold in its debut year of 2020 and 3,752 units in 2021, according to data from CarSalesBase, a website that aggregates sales figures from manufacturers and Jato Dynamics.
Looking ahead, Honda aims to align its production strategy with the evolving market demands by focusing on the SUV sector. The company plans to prioritize SUV and SUV-like vehicle development, as seen in the recently unveiled e:Ny1 crossover. The e:Ny1 is equipped with a 150 kW (201 hp) electric motor and boasts an impressive WLTP range of 256 miles (412 km). Honda is hopeful to sell approximately 7,500 units of the e:Ny1 in the UK alone by 2024.
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The e:Ny1, priced at 47,590 euros in Germany, will not be made available in the United States. Honda’s strategic shift towards SUVs aims to cater to market trends and customer preferences, ensuring continued success in the ever-changing automotive industry.
